Update to Target list

Sorry if I caused anyone a special trip to Target, but it appears that the Electrasol is NOT on sale in my market. I apologize for this. I made a trip there this morning and had 11 coupons ready to go and its not on sale. I would ohold those coupons though because its been my experience that whenever that great $2.50 coupon is out, Target usually puts them on sale (check your market though, I know they are on sale in some markets) and many other stores too. However if you need them right away, I know that The Dollar General Store carries them for a regular price of $3.00, just a smaller box.

eCoupons

Did you know that you can load eCoupons on your Kroger card? (this is your store card you scan, not a credit card) Its super easy and when you buy the item and scan you card, the coupon automatically comes off! You can also combine this with a paper coupon for the same item....making for some great deals!!!
There are 2 places to load these coupons for Kroger (check with other stores to see if they participate in any other programs like this)

Proctor and Gamble esaver program....click HERE

Shortcuts.....click HERE

For example, this week Kroger has their pull ups on Sale for $9.99....combine that with the $2.00 coupon from shortcuts.com that you load on your card....and combine with a $2.00 man. coupon (paper coupon) and you get the pack for $5.99!!!!!

Remember, you don't have to do anything at the store but scan your card and it comes off automatically when you buy the item. You can print a list of what coupons you have loaded that way you know you are getting the right item!

Happy shopping!f

Just a couple of things......

*Did you know that you can subcribe to this blog and have it sent directly to your inbox? Just look on the right hand side and enter your email address....an email will come to your inbox every day with ALL the posts I made that day. This way you don't have to remember to check it every single day!

*Have you noticed the Coupon Acronyms I added? Couponing can be a world of its own, so on the right hand side you will find a list of acronyms if your scroll down. If you see an abbreviation that you don't know, just scroll down and find it on the list.

*Also, several of you have shown interest in attending a class about couponing, I am going to start working on getting some materials together and possibly getting a class together. If you think you are interested, send me an email or leave me a comment and let me know who you are!!!!!

Please let me know if you have any suggestions or if you find any good deals that you want to share!!!!!

Have you tried Aldi?

Do you have an Aldi near you? Have you tried it out?
We just recently had one open near us and I have been shopping there for about 4 weeks now and I love it! Its a different kind of store, but the prices are amazing! You can read about Aldi HERE
Some of the things you will find that are different at Aldi include:
*You have to take your own bags...or buy bags there. You can take in your reusable bags, plastic bags from another store, anything! Also, they have bins of boxes sitting around (from items they have stocked) and you are free to take those as well. And you bag your own items.
*You must put a quarter in to use their buggies, BUT you get it back when you return the cart. This keeps their cost down on employees having to hunt down buggies and bring them back in!
*They only take cash, debit cards or food stamps. No checks, no credit cards.
*All of their products are their own label (you will sometimes find name brand items there for what they call a special purchase) They have a double money back guarantee on all their products...if you don't like it, take it back and they will replace the product and give you your money back. So far, we haven't tried one single thing that was bad!

Today, I had an awesome shop at Aldi! I shopped for 2 weeks worth of meals (and we eat at home every night!) Plus breakfast and lunch....and my total was $99!!!!! This included a couple of things we don't normally buy.....like a spiral cut ham that was on sale for $1.49/lb!!!! This total also included alot of fresh produce...like 2 pineapples, 2 lbs of strawberries, 1 pkg of blueberries, 1 bunch of bananas, carrots, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, a tenderloin, 2 blocks of cheese, 2 dozens eggs, 2 gallons of milk.....and A WHOLE LOT MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I only had about 5 things that I couldn't get that were on my list OR that I knew I had a coupon for and could get cheaper at Kroger! (by the way, all the fruit I bought was either Dole or DelMonte....so it has a good name!)

They DO NOT take coupons, since things are their own brand. I buy things here that I know are a better price there. Some things I know I have a coupon for and can get cheaper elsewhere, but most of their prices are unbeatable!

Let me know if you try it out!!

Beginning with coupons!

The number one question I get asked about couponing is 'where do I start'.....the second thing I hear is 'it takes to much time and energy'.
I am going to try to address both of these things in this post.

First of all, coupons are everywhere!
The best place to get coupons are the Sunday paper. You will find 3 different types of inserts through the paper: SmartSource (SS), RedPlum (RP) and Proctor & Gamble (PG). (they are not all in the paper every week though) Occassionally, you will find special inserts from different companies.
Also, don't forget to check out the Parade insert in the paper, there is usually 1 coupon in there too (varies each week)

Another great place is right here on the internet! You can find a vast variety of coupons that you can print. I have a few links on the right side of my blog. Also, if there is a particular product you are needing to buy, just check out their direct website, many times you will find coupons right there to print!

You can also find 'blinkies' in the store. Many times these are not specific to the store!

You can sign up for many great deals through your favorite store websites!!!!

Wal-mart sells a great magazine...All You. This magazine is filled everymonth with great coupons! Its a very inexpenisive magazine and worth the money for the great deals you will find inside....and it has great articles too! But you will only find it at Wal-mart or by ordering a subscription.

And there are many clipper services that you can order coupons from online...usually for a very low price.

Just keep your eyes open, coupons are everywhere!

Now, on to the second statement....'doesn't it take a lot of time?'....the answer is 'yes and no'! When you first get started, it might take time to get your coupons collected and organized. It takes time to learn the 'right' way to use coupons and when to 'play' them at the right time. But after you get the hang of it, it goes much quicker and I think you will find the money you save is worth the extra time it takes to get things together!!!